OGALLALA, Neb. - A structure fire reported early New Year’s Day inside Ogallala city limits resulted in only minor damage after occupants and emergency crews acted quickly, according to the Ogallala Fire Department.

Keith County Emergency Operations Center dispatch paged county fire tones at approximately 3:10 a.m. on Jan. 1 for a reported structure fire. Responding agencies included Ogallala Fire Department, Brule Fire Department, Paxton Fire Department and Keith County Fire and Rescue, along with Keith County EMS, Ogallala Police Department, utility crews, the Keith County emergency manager and a Nebraska State Fire Marshal investigator.

Firefighters arriving on scene determined the fire had limited extension inside the home. As a result, Keith County Fire and Rescue and Paxton units were canceled while en route. Crews on scene completed extinguishment, salvage and overhaul operations.

Officials said the occupants were able to aggressively attack the fire using a garden hose and an ABC fire extinguisher before firefighters arrived, significantly limiting damage. Smoke detectors were present in the home, and the occupants also called 911 promptly.

EMS evaluated civilians at the scene, but no one required transport to a hospital. Utilities were not compromised during the incident and remained in service.

The home was deemed habitable following the fire. No injuries were reported to firefighters or civilians, and all responding units were returned to service by 5:20 a.m.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Nebraska State Fire Marshal’s Office.